Boeing 787s Must Be Fixed At Air India

Boeing 787s at Air India are seeing a phased fix implemented after the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued an airworthiness directive over door assist handles.

The Indian flag carrier is confirming that it is now moving forward with the fixes to adhere to FAA guidance and ensure compliance is at the highest possible standard.

What The FAA Found On The Boeing 787s

The final ruling from the FAA covers certain Boeing 787-8, 787-9 and 787-10 aircraft. It follows reports of the door assist handles being pulled free from their lower attachment joint in the doorway support bracket assembly.

As a result, the regulator has investigated and now urges operators to install a new retainer above the lower keyway of the bracket assembly and add placards or markings to the affected parts.

In some cases, there’s also a requirement to inspect the forward and aft door assist handles to carry out corrective actions.

For the FAA, the concern has been that a handle used when opening the aircraft door may detach if it has not been properly retained. While it’s not the same as a possible engine or flight control issue, it matters just the same in ensuring the jet’s integrity remains, and regulators follow up with airlines.

A loose handle could not only injure someone during pre-flight preparations but, in an emergency landing, can slow door operation and interfere with evacuation; this is a time-sensitive worst-case scenario where all systems need to be functioning to their fullest.

Air India Will Now Modify Some Of Its Boeing 787s

Air India has now confirmed, in accordance with the FAA, that it has begun implementing the required modifications in phases, with some work having already been completed on older jets. The flag carrier has a fleet of 35 Dreamliners spread across the 787-8 and 787-9 models.

While Air India is conducting its due diligence, the airline and analysts have stated there is no immediate impact on operations or safety for those stepping aboard these aircraft; this is vital to understanding the works.

This latest ruling is a compliance and precautionary maintenance task. It is not a fleet grounding move initiated as a result of a heightened problem with the systems that is worthy of pulling the jets from service to prevent an incident.

Air India is looking to align its aircraft with the FAA directive, which is normal practice when regulators make an airworthiness recommendation. The work is also done gradually so that operational disruption can be avoided during the process.

The work being conducted in phases highlights the lack of urgency needed, but still shows commitment to implementing the fixes; with a staggered approach, the airline will look to fold the work into previously planned downtime.

Air India and the Boeing 787 have continued to make headlines after the fatal accident in 2025 after departure from Ahmedabad, the first hull loss for the programme. This latest measure isn’t related to the accident; however, it continues to align with the ongoing checks in India after a series of 787 incidents and heightened scrutiny.